Tent campsites near Ellsworth, New Hampshire range from secluded hike-in platforms to accessible drive-in sites within the White Mountain National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 800-4,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley campgrounds and mountain sites. Winter camping options remain limited above 3,000 feet until late May when spring melt allows access to higher elevation tent sites and shelters.
What to do
Climb Mt. Cardigan: Tent campers at Cardigan Campsites can combine camping with mountain climbing. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" reports Madison G.
Paddle Squam Lake: The Squam Lakes Association maintains boat-in and hike-in tent sites that provide water access. "The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings," notes Shari G. The camping fee includes one bundle of firewood.
Fish local waters: Anglers can access fishing opportunities from tent sites. At Baker Rocks, one camper reported: "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area... Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler."
Complete multi-day hikes: For backpackers, tent platforms on mountain routes provide strategic overnight points. "Used this as our midway point for a 2-day pemi loop before our friends wedding. Did not disappoint!" shares Harry about their stay at Guyot Shelter.
What campers like
Secluded woodland settings: Baker Rocks receives praise for its natural surroundings. "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight," notes Justin P. Another camper adds: "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time. The campsites are private and spacious."
Access to mountain peaks: Liberty Springs Tentsite provides a strategic location for hikers. One camper notes it's "Located just off of Franconia Ridge, a great basecamp for anyone doing the ridge or a pemi loop" and mentions the site "Gets packed on weekends."
Pond views: Many tent sites offer water views. At Sawyer Pond, "All the sites have a view of Sawyer Pond. Peaceful and relaxing," according to Aubrey V. Another camper adds, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to."
Remote solitude: Backcountry sites provide escape from crowds. At Kinsman Pond Shelter, Ryan M. reports: "Amazing stay, no signs of society (airplanes/cars/phone service). Stayed in the new shelter on the edge of the pond. There are a few tent platforms also."
What you should know
Platform restrictions: Many tent sites require freestanding tents. At Liberty Springs, "Tent sites are platforms, so make sure to have a free standing tent. There are a couple 'overflow' spots the caretaker may let you stay in if you can't use a platform."
Limited firewood: Finding fuel can be challenging at some sites. At Sawyer Pond, one camper advises: "There is a lot of damage in the surrounding area where folx have cut down trees to have fires" and notes "there was very little available firewood near the campsites."
Reservation timing: Popular tent sites fill quickly. The Squam Lakes Association sites are "pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area."
Water treatment needs: Even established sites require water filtration. At Rogers Ledge, "There is a nice water source .1 miles from the campsite has an easily accessible flow. So no need to hike in with a ton of water," but treatment remains necessary.
Early arrival importance: For non-reservable sites, timing matters. Sarah C. advises about Sawyer Pond: "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate hikes: Some tent sites offer family-friendly access routes. About Sawyer Pond, Jean C. notes: "The easier access is from the Sawyer River Rd, though until the road opens after mud season, it will be a longer hike. Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly."
Pack for insects: Certain areas require bug protection. At Baker Rocks, April W. advises: "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected."
Consider alternative shelters: Beyond standard tents, families can explore other options. "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time. We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt both were spacious and wonderful."
Monitor site availability: Popular weekends fill quickly at tent sites. Hunter P. notes about Sawyer Pond: "I visited this campsite on a Sunday night in September with my dog and it was lovely. I passed a few day hikers but was the only person camping, however I did speak to a family that was hiking down who said that the campground was completely full the night before (Saturday night)."
Tips from RVers
Seek climbing-focused campgrounds: The AAC Rattlesnake Campground near Rumney caters to climbers but offers tent sites. Les R. notes: "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one! Maintained by the American Alpine Club, pretty much all the campers here are rock climbers."
Consider smaller operations: Family-run sites offer unique experiences. Dugout Hideaway @ Granny Clark Brook offers a single reservable tent site with amenities including picnic table, fire ring, firewood, and toilets - a good alternative when larger campgrounds are full.
